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AirPods Max (USB-C) — H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking
Apple

AirPods Max (USB-C)

H1 · Spatial Audio · Dynamic Head Tracking

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 wins by 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Bose

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio

93
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max (USB-C) lands at 88 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 at 93. That puts Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max (USB-C) if…

  • ✓Premium aluminum build
  • ✓Seamless Apple integration
  • ✓Head-tracked spatial audio

Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 if…

  • ✓Deepest ANC on the market
  • ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
  • ✓Bose Immersive Audio
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max (USB-C) leads on sound (92 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

ANC strength for commute and travel

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on anc (100 vs 92).

Comfort

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Long-session wearability

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on comfort (96 vs 82).

Value for money

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 more score per dollar ($449 vs $549).

AirPods Max (USB-C) 88
vs
93 Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Score breakdown

AirPods Max (USB-C)
88
anc 92
sound 92
comfort 82
battery 82
features 86
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
93
anc 100
sound 90
comfort 96
battery 88
features 92

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max (USB-C) versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max (USB-C) Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Driver
40 mm dynamic
35 mm
Codecs
AAC, SBC
aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC
Battery
20 h
▲ 30 hr (24 with ANC)
Weight
384 g
▲ 254 g
Connectivity
BT 5.0, USB-C lossless
—
ANC
—
Hybrid · 8-mic
Bluetooth
—
5.3 + Snapdragon Sound
Charging
—
USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Pros
  • +Premium aluminum build
  • +Seamless Apple integration
  • +Head-tracked spatial audio
Cons
  • −Still uses H1 (not H2)
  • −Heavy at 384 g
  • −No power button / auto-pause

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Pros
  • +Deepest ANC on the market
  • +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
  • +Bose Immersive Audio
Cons
  • −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
  • −Cable not included
  • −Pricier than XM6

FAQ: AirPods Max (USB-C) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2

Which is better, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max (USB-C) worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max (USB-C) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in anc.

Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 worth the price? +

At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.

Does AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +

AirPods Max (USB-C) — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max (USB-C) or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on anc (100 vs 92). ANC strength for commute and travel.